[MV] M-151 Safety...

Joe Baker (edc@tiac.net)
Fri, 07 Nov 1997 11:03:19 -0500

The M151 was one of the most misunderstood vehicles in the military
inventory in my humble opinion. The replacement of this vehicle with
the hummmer reflected a lack of consideration of some of the specialized
missions the M151 performed. As a Cavalry Platoon Leader in Germany I
had taked my scout sections equipped with M151's a variety of missions
that could not be accomplished with the much larger hummer. The hummer
is not able to squeeze into and through the woods in the manner which
the M151 could and did. The loss of the M151 has removed that
capability from this type of unit.

As far as safety goes, if the vehicle is maintained and driven within
the parimeters established within the manual the vehicle is very safe.
It was not designed as a sports car and should not be driven like one.
I have driven an M151 on extremely rough terrain on steep slope without
any significant problems.

If the operator follows the standards and requirements contained in the
operator's manual there should be no problems. The Before, During, and
After Operations Checks (BDA Checks) should be accomplished each time
the vehicle is operated. One of those checks is to examine the tire
pressures. The M151 is very sensitive to variances in the tire
pressure. I can't remember the exact pressure, but the front tires are
inflated to a different pressure that the rear tires. Maintainence of
proper air pressures is critical to the handling characteristics of the
vehicle. As the Motor Officer in a Mechanized Battalion I found that
this was one of the most common diffencies I found in my spot
inspections. I use to carry a tire pressure gauge and drive the troops
crazy with my checks, but it did improve the quality of maintainence in
the Battalion.

Hope that helps.

-- 
Joe Baker
Major, Infantry, USAR


Formerly of 


418 Med Co (AMB), Vietnam '69-'70
1/2 ACR, Germany '77-'80
Army National Guard '80-'95


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